Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter series, book, movies, or anything else Harry Potter related. Nor do I own any of the Harry Potter characters used in this story. I do, however, own Saria as she is my own, original character.

Prologue

A single mansion stood atop a hill, overlooking the village below. Above it, stars littered the dark sky as well as a near three-quarter filled moon. The light cast from the faraway creations illuminated the hilltop and gave minimal light for anyone who was outside, despite the time, to see.

Only a young girl remained outside the building behind her as she sat on the grass, not far from the back of the mansion. Her arms wrapped around knees, hugging them to her chest. A gust flew through the air and caressed her bare arms. Shuddering slightly, the girl rubbed her skin in an attempt to warm herself and force the Goosebumps away.

Though an early summer night, the temperature dropped considerably compared to during the day – not cold, but chilly none-the-less.

Shaking her head, the girl lowered a pale hand to the ground and ran it through the strands of damp grass. She listened to the soft howls of the wind and the rustling of leaves, allowing those gentle sounds to calm her. Her lips curled in a small smile and excitement raced through her veins.

Months had passed since the last time she saw her father, but with the end of the school year came her chance to finally spend time with him. Her father's job at Hogwarts made it difficult for their relationship, considering his absence throughout most of the year. Yet all that would soon change.

Her smile broadened and brightened her overall features as she remembered what would happen after summer. She had turned eleven on February 17th; with the proper age acquired, she could start at Hogwarts after the summer holidays. They'd be reunited, no longer separated by distance.

They'd make up for the past eleven years.

"Saria," a cold, male voice broke the silence. "You should be asleep."

Her eyes widened upon hearing the voice and she gasped, looking up from the city below and over her shoulder. After seeing the tall man who stood behind her, Saria rose to her feet and spun around to face him.

"Sorry," she said quickly, face flushed in nervousness. "â€ĶI couldn't sleep."

Saria could have sworn he and his wife were in bed when she ventured outside; all the lights had been off, yet now that she glanced at the mansion behind him, she spotted the distinct signs of a few lit candles as the light flickered from beyond the windows.

The blonde-haired man stared down at her with stern grey eyes as his lips curled in a slight frown and showed his displeasure at the fact that she was outside at such a time. Despite that, a slight spark in his expression portrayed that he believed her. Saria had no doubt he knew why she had trouble sleeping.

"Come inside." Without another word, the older man turned on his heel and strode to the entrance of the house.

Sighing softly in relief, Saria nodded and followed his lead. Only then did she realize Mr. Malfoy was dressed in his ministry robes; long black robes that flowed to the ground, shifting as he walked. Saria determined he must have been called into the office. No wonder he noticed she was outside; he had probably just returned from work.

Lucius shut the door after she entered the manor and drew his wand, muttering a quick "Colloportus" as he aimed the tip at the lock.

Upon seeing the magic in action, Saria couldn't help the smile that crept onto her lips. In just a few months' time, she would learn to cast magic spells herself; she'd finally be able to learn to do what she always wanted. Not just magic; she knew there were many other things to study.

"You should sleep," Lucius spoke, looking down at her. "Your father will arrive in just a few hours."

Saria contained a yawn – yes, she was tired, but she had no desire to go to bed. Not with her father returning for her so soon. Even so, Saria spotted the defiant spark in his grey eyes and knew she lacked a choice in the matter. The last thing she needed was to anger him on her last evening in his home.

She nodded in understanding, "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Saria."

A soft sigh escaped her as she ascended the large staircase and ran the tips of her fingers along the wall as she did so. Once Saria reached the top of the staircase, she walked down the hall to the furthest room on the left. For as long as she remembered, it was where she stayed whilst her father taught at Hogwarts. Over the years, the Malfoy Manor became like a second home to her.

Only a single candle burned in the room, resting on her brown bed stand. The room itself was simple; slight cream-tinted walls with a light brown linoleum floor and a large window that overlooked the garden. Many books lined the shelves of her bookcase – she often read when she had nothing to do. The covers on the bed were a pale grey, though the designs on the cloth a darker tone.

Shaking her head, Saria ran a hand through her straight black hair, which fell just two inches passed her shoulders. After straightening her loose t-shirt, Saria kicked off her slippers, slid onto her bed and pulled the covers over her slim form. She glanced over at her bed stand and squinted due to the light caused by the candle.

With only hours remaining until his arrival, Saria knew she should do what Lucius told her to; go to sleep. If she let her fatigue take over, morning would arrive sooner and she would finally see him after three months. Keeping that thought in mind, Saria leaned over to the candle and blew it out, casting the room into darkness as the burnt stench arose from the small extinguished light source.

As she rolled onto her side and shut her eyes, she couldn't hide her ecstasy at the thought of everything going on. Saria gripped the soft material of the blanket and hugged it closer to her, snuggling into the comfort of it. A yawn escaped her lips and, despite her insistence of staying awake, she felt her consciousness fade as she drifted off into slumber.

And so begins a new story. With the recent release of the seventh movie, I decided this would be a good time to start this story that I've had in my mind for quite some time.

If you spot any spelling/grammar mistakes, please point them out so I can edit them.